Slice scan imaging system and methods of use

ABSTRACT

The disclosure is directed to systems and methods for image capturing technologies and, more particularly, to a slice scan imaging system and respective processes to achieve high quality images. The method can be implemented in a computing device, which includes: capturing multiple lines of an image in a single slice; capturing multiple slices; stitching together the multiple slices by aligning common features of the images of a previous slice with a successive slice; and blending together the stitched together multiple slices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to systems and methods for image capturingtechnologies and, more particularly, to a slice scan imaging system andrespective processes to achieve high quality images.

BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION

Image capture systems for postal sorting and defect inspection oncontinuously moving conveyor belts require short exposure times andintense lighting. This is not always technically feasible with typicalframe cameras, which capture a large image area simultaneously.Additionally, the object which is being captured may be jostling/rockingas it passes the camera, which requires a fast shutter speed to “stopthe action”.

Line scan cameras are typically used for these applications, but theyhave several shortcomings that limit advanced image processing options.Although the line scan cameras are commonly used for conveyor imagingsystems for postal sorting and defect inspection, these cameras are ableto utilize focused, intense lighting in order to capture objects atrelatively high belt speeds. Also, the processing of such images is notable to account for the rocking motion of the object while it is beingcaptured. This can result in a “shearing” distortion in the final imageif the object is not firmly held in place.

A variation of the line scan camera, is the TDI (time delayedintegration) line scan camera. The TDI camera is a scanning technologyin which a frame transfer device produces a continuous video image for amoving object by means of a stack of linear arrays aligned with andsynchronized to the motion of the object to be imaged. As the imagemoves from one line to the next, the integrated charge moves along withthe image, providing higher pixel intensity at lower light levels thanpossible with line scan technologies. In this technology, the TDI camerais able to capture objects with shorter exposure times or lessillumination, but they are subject to capturing “fuzzy” images if theobject being captured is not firmly held from moving in any directionother than the direction of travel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the invention, a method implemented in a computingdevice, comprises: capturing multiple lines of an image in a singleslice; capturing multiple slices; (capitalizing on opportunitiesprovided by overlapping areas); stitching together the multiple slicesby aligning common features of the images of a previous slice with asuccessive slice; and blending together the stitched together multipleslices.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a computer program productcomprises program code embodied in a computer-readable storage medium,the program code is readable/executable by a computing device to performthe method steps of any combination of features.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, a system comprises: a CPU,a computer readable memory and a computer readable storage medium; andprogram instructions to perform the method steps of any combination offeatures. The program instructions are stored on the computer readablestorage medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in the detailed description which follows, inreference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limitingexamples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in whichlike reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the severalviews of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative environment for implementing the steps inaccordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a representation of stitching together several slices of animage in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a technique for increasing the depth of field of an imagein accordance with aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a technique for reducing noise in the image in accordancewith aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a technique for combining individual slices inorder to amplify the intensity of light captured by the image sensor inaccordance with aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a technique for correcting for motion blur inaccordance with aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B representatively show a technique for glare reduction inaccordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative mail sorting and sequencing system, whichcan be used in implementing the processes of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to systems and methods for image capturingtechnologies and, more particularly, to a slice scan imaging system andrespective processes to achieve high quality images. In a specificapplication, the slice scan imaging system can capture multiple slicesof a mailpiece as it moves along a conveyer system and stitch suchslices together to achieve high quality images. Accordingly, in oneimplementation the slice scan imaging system and processes describedherein can be implemented in mail sorting and sequencing systems.Advantageously, in the systems and processes provided herein, it is nowpossible to capture images (e.g., address information on a mailpiece)without distortion, blur, etc., while also compensating for low lightlevels and noise issues, amongst other advantages, as it moves at highspeed on a conveying system of a mail sorting and/or sequencing system.

In embodiments, a solution to poor image quality is provided byimplementing a “slice scan” approach to capture narrow frames (e.g.,multiple lines) of an object, e.g., mailpiece and in a particularembodiment, an address block of a mailpiece, as it moves past an imagedetector, e.g., “slice scan” camera or other imaging detectors(hereinafter referred to as “slice scan” camera). This approach allowshighly focused illumination to be used, e.g., illumination on only aportion of the mailpiece, compared to intensely illuminating a largearea of the mailpiece, which is needed in conventional systems. Inaddition, advanced image processing techniques that require theacquisition of multiple lines simultaneously can now be performed on theimage slice captured from the “slice scan” camera. For example, inembodiments, each slice of the image can be aligned with a successiveslice of the image in order correct for any rocking motion of the objectbetween frames (slices), amongst other features described herein. Thiscan be accomplished by detecting and matching features in the imagewhich are common between successive slices (e.g., frames). These slicesare then blended or stitched together to form a seamless image of highquality, which is representative of, e.g., the mailpiece. Inembodiments, the “feature matching” for aligning successive slices isone approach that can be implemented in the aspects described herein.That is feature matching is one approach to the more general process ofimage registration for aligning images. As other examples, the alignmentprocess can use image registration (feature matching) or intensity-basedmethods. Accordingly, the present invention does not strictly rely onusing feature-based methods, and intensity-based methods may in fact beimplemented herein.

SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT

The present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computerprogram product. The present invention may take the form of a hardwareembodiment, a software embodiment or a combination of software andhardware. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of acomputer program product embodied in any tangible storage havingcomputer-readable program code embodied in computer-readable storagemedium (non-transitory medium). The computer-readable storage medium cancontain or store information for use by or in connection with theinstruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Thecomputer-readable storage medium may be, for example, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device or other non-transitory medium, memory, device orsystem.

More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium wouldinclude the following non-transitory systems, devices and/or memory: anelectrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computerdiskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or anysuitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document,the computer readable storage medium, memory, system and/or device isnot to be construed as being transitory signals per se. Hereinafter, thecomputer readable storage medium, memory, system and/or device isgenerally referred to as computer readable storage medium.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative environment 110 for managing the processesin accordance with the invention. The environment 110 includes a serveror other computing system 112 that can perform the processes describedherein. In embodiments, the illustrative environment may be used in amail sorting and sequencing system as shown illustratively in FIG. 8;although other sorting and sequencing systems are also contemplated bythe present invention. The computing system 112 includes a computingdevice 114 which can be resident on or communicate with a networkinfrastructure or other computing devices.

The computing device 114 includes a processor 120, memory 122A, an I/Ointerface 124, and a bus 126. In addition, the computing device 114includes random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and anoperating system (O/S). The computing device 114 is in communicationwith an external I/O device/resource 128 and the storage system 122B.The I/O device 128 can comprise any device that enables interaction withthe computing device 114 (e.g., user interface) or any device thatenables the computing device 114 to communicate with one or more othercomputing devices using any type of communications link or any devicethat enables the computing device 114 to interact with its environment.By way of example, the I/O device 128 can be a “slice scan” camera whichsimultaneously captures multiple lines of an image in a single slice andcaptures multiple slices of the image representative of an object, e.g.,mailpiece, as the object is traveling through a mail sorting and/orsequencing system shown in FIG. 8 as an example.

The processor 120 executes computer program code (e.g., program control144), which can be stored in the memory 122A and/or storage system 122B.While executing the computer program code, the processor 120 can readand/or write data to/from memory 122A, storage system 122B, and/or I/Ointerface 124. The program code 144 executes the processes of theinvention such as, for example, stitching together multiple slices (eachof which is composed of multiple lines) of an image, e.g., as the objecttravels through a sorting and/or sequencing system at high speeds,amongst other features described herein.

The computing device 114 includes a imaging module 100, which can beimplemented as one or more program code in the program control 144stored in memory 122A as a separate or combined module. Additionally,the imaging module 100 may be implemented as separate dedicatedprocessors or a single or several processors to provide thefunctionality of this tool. Moreover, it should be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that the imaging module 100 is used as ageneral descriptive term for providing the features and/or functions ofthe present invention, and that the imaging module 100 may comprise manydifferent components such as, for example, the components and/orinfrastructure described and shown with reference to FIG. 1.

In embodiments, the imaging module 100 is operative and/or configuredto, e.g., (i) provide higher quality images of a mailpiece (compared toconventional line scan processes), (ii) amplify low light conditions,(iii) reduce noise, (iv) improve depth of field, (v) compensate orcorrect for blurry imaging, and (v) reduce glare, amongst otherfeatures. In addition, by implementing such slice scan techniquesthrough the imaging module 100 as described herein, it is now possibleto use color “scan line” cameras to capture the images. In furtherembodiments, by implementing the systems and processes herein any lightsource greater than ambient light of the surrounding area can be usedwhen capturing the image. That is, by implementing the systems andprocesses described herein, special lighting technologies used in highspeed applications could be eliminated.

As a first example, the imaging module 100 can stitch together multipleslices of an image of a mailpiece or text of a mailpiece or other objectin order to correct for any rocking motion of the object between frames(e.g., slices). This is generally accomplished by: (i) obtainingmultiple image slices of an object (e.g., mailpiece) from a “slice scan”camera, where many lines are captured simultaneously in each singleslice; and (ii) stitching together the multiple slices to form a singleimage of the object by matching features (image registration) orintensity-based methods in each image slice common between successiveslices (e.g., frames). This results in a high speed imaging system,which can capture objects not firmly held in place without intenselyilluminating a large area.

In embodiments, the “slice scan” camera will capture narrow slices of anobject, e.g., simultaneously capture two or more lines. In morepreferred embodiments, the narrow slices will be less than an entireimage, e.g., mailpiece. In even more specific embodiments, the “slicescan” camera can simultaneously capture about 32 lines of image and, ineven more specific embodiments, “N” number of lines which isapproximately equal to the thickness of a focused light source, e.g.,fluorescent or LED light source, which illuminates a portion of theobject.

In addition, by implementing the processes described herein, it ispossible to use other advanced techniques to improve the value of theimaging system. For example, wavefront coding can be implemented, whichis a technique that will increase the depth of field in an image asshown in FIG. 3. More specifically, in optical applications, wavefrontcoding refers to the use of a cubic phase modulating element inconjunction with deconvolution to extend the depth of field of a digitalimaging system such as the “slice scan” camera. In this technique, anumber of lines are captured simultaneously through a lens which blursthe image uniformly. A deconvolution is then performed which brings alarge range back into focus (e.g., see FIG. 3). A typical kernel sizefor this operation is 11×11, meaning at least 11 lines of data should becaptured at a time. (This technique is not possible with line scancameras currently in use.)

In additional implementations, the systems and processes describedherein enable noise reduction as shown in FIG. 4. For example, becausesubsequent slices will contain overlapping data, the slices can becombined in a way which reduces the effects of noise on the final imageas shown in FIG. 4. In addition, individual slices can also be combinedin order to amplify the intensity of light captured by the image sensor(slice scan” camera) as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. This will behavesimilar to a TDI camera in that shorter exposure times (which enablesfaster object transport) or less illumination can be used; however,because alignment can be performed on the slices, a high quality imagecan be produced even if the object is rocking. In addition, with the“slice scan” imaging system and processes as described herein, the noisereduction effects previously discussed may reduce noise to an acceptablelevel while correcting for the motion blur, as demonstrated in FIGS. 6Aand 6B.

It should also be understood by those of skill in the art that capturingmany overlapping slices also enables a technique for significantlyreducing glare as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. For example, during theblending process as implemented by the processes described herein,regions of the image which contain glare can be detected and ignored.This will result in a blended final image which contains significantlyless glare.

IMPLEMENTATIONS

FIGS. 2-7 show representations of different techniques (processes)implemented by the systems and processes described herein. These figurescan also represent exemplary flows for respective processing steps inaccordance with aspects of the present invention. The exemplaryrepresentations can be implemented as a system, a method, and/or acomputer program product and related functionality implemented on thecomputing system of FIG. 1. Accordingly, the processes associated witheach representative figure can be implemented by special purposehardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts orcarry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions. It is also contemplated that any combination of techniquesdescribed herein can be used together in parallel or serially.

Stitching Together Slices to Form an Image

FIG. 2 shows a representation of stitching together several slices of animage in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Morespecifically, as representatively shown at reference numeral 210, aslice of an object 200, e.g. star, is captured by a “slice scan” camera.As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, eachsuccessive frame (e.g., slice) (each of which are represented byreference numerals 210) may have common overlapping subject with aprevious frame (slice).

As in all aspects of the invention, the “slice scan” camera is used tocapture very narrow frames (slices comprising multiple lines) as theobject moves past the camera. In each of the embodiments, the “slicescan” camera will simultaneously capture multiple lines of the object ina single slice and capture multiple slices, which have overlappingsubject matter such as, e.g., a point on the star 220. In thisrepresentation, the slice 210 can be about 32 lines, although “N” numberof lines for each slice is contemplated by the present invention. Forexample, the number of lines may be equal to or approximately equal tothe area (e.g., thickness) of a highly focused illumination on a certainarea of the object, rather than intensely illuminating a large areaneeded in conventional camera technologies.

As shown at reference numeral 230, each of the slices are then stitchedtogether (e.g., shingled together) to form a single mosaic image of theobject. In stitching together the slices, each slice is aligned with thesuccessive image in order correct for any rocking motion of the objectin between frames (slices). This is shown representatively by detectingand matching features (image registration) or intensity-based methods inthe image which are common between adjacent (successive) slices, e.g.,the point of the star 220, and overlapping such slices to form a mosaicimage of the object. In embodiments, the overlapping can be one (1) ormore lines of the slices. The alignment of the slices is shown by theshift or offset nature of each slice (to the left and right). Theseframes (slices) are then blended together to form a seamless image asshown at reference numeral 240.

In alternate embodiments, the processes described herein can alsoprovide an edge to edge mosaic, instead of an overlapping or shinglingof the slices. It should be understood that the overlapping (e.g.,shingling) of the slices will typically provide a more robust alignment,though. In this embodiment, the alignment will be provided by stitchingtogether the slices at their edges. For example, in this embodiment, theimaging module may detect transitioning features (different shades orcolors of the image at the edges of the slice) that can be alignedtogether between the different slices, as an example.

Increasing Depth of Field of an Image

FIG. 3 representatively shows a technique for increasing the depth offield of an image. As shown in FIG. 3, two objects 300 and 305, e.g.,stars, are shown at different focal lengths. Specifically, star 305 isblurry; whereas, star 300 is in focus. In this technique, once again,multiple slices of the objects, e.g. stars, are captured by a “slicescan” camera, as the objects move past the camera. And, as previouslydescribed, the “slice scan” camera will capture multiple slices of theobjects, which have overlapping subject matter such as, e.g., a point onthe star 320. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart, each successive frame (e.g., slice) 310 may have common overlappingsubject with a previous frame (slice).

A typical kernel size for this operation is 11×11, meaning at least 11lines of data should be captured at a time, although “N” number of linesfor each slice is contemplated by the present invention. Additionally,the 11×11 size is an example based on a particular wavefrontcoding/deconvolution being implemented, and is not necessarily fixed insize other than, perhaps, in embodiments, 3×3 or greater.

In embodiments, the “slice scan” camera includes a filter which blursthe image uniformly, as shown by reference numeral 312. As shown atreference numeral 315, each of the slices will be deconvoluted to bringa large range of the images back into focus. This can be accomplishedusing a wavefront coding technique. The separate slices are thenstitched together to form a single mosaic image representing the objectsas shown at reference numeral 330. In this implementation, each slice isaligned with the successive image in order correct for any rockingmotion of the object in between frames (slices) as already describedherein, e.g., by detecting and matching features (image registration) orintensity-based methods in the image which are common between successiveslices, e.g., the point of the star 320. These frames (slices) are thenblended together to form a seamless image as shown at reference numeral340.

Reducing Noise in the Image

FIG. 4 shows a technique for reducing noise in the image in accordancewith aspects of the invention. In this noise reduction technique,overlapping of the scan lines can be used to correct for motion.

In this implementation, as previously described, multiple slices 210 ofthe object 200 (e.g., star) are captured as the object moves past thecamera. The noise 217 is represented as speckles or dots within each ofthe slides 210. In this technique, prior to or after stitching togethereach of the slices to form a single mosaic image representative of theobject, the values of the matched features in the image which are commonbetween successive slices, e.g., the point of the star 220, can beaveraged together to reduce any noise from any single slice, as shown byreference numeral 225. In this way, it is possible to compensate for anyoverlapping data that may be slightly different (blurry, etc.) due tomovement of the object, e.g., rocking. If there is no noise, then alloverlapping images would be the same and, hence, no need for theaveraging techniques applied herein. These frames (slices) are thenblended together to form a seamless image as shown at reference numeral240.

Amplification of Low Light Conditions

As shown representatively in FIGS. 5A and 5B, individual slices can becombined in order to amplify the intensity of light captured by theimage sensor, e.g., “slice scan” camera. For example, in thisrepresentation, a slice 210 of an object 200, e.g. star, captured by the“slice scan” camera may be of varying dimness (brightness) due to thelight intensity provided on the object 200. For example, pixel intensityof the image or portions of the image on each slice captured by the“slice scan” camera may vary from 0-255 for an 8 bit value (althoughother values, e.g., 12 bit values, are also contemplated herein), where0 is dark and 255 is the brightest. In this example, any value of over255 will result in an oversaturated image.

As shown at reference numeral 230, each of the slices are aligned andstitched together to form a single mosaic image of the object. Institching together the slices, each slice is aligned with the successiveimage in order correct for any rocking motion of the object in betweenframes (slices). This is shown representatively by detecting andmatching features (image registration) or intensity-based methods in theimage which are common between adjacent (successive) slices, e.g., thepoint of the star 220, and overlapping such slices to form a mosaicimage of the object. The alignment of the slices is shown by the shiftor offset nature of each slice (to the left and right).

In embodiments, the pixel intensity values associated with theoverlapped images can be added together as shown representatively atreference numeral 250. By adding together the pixel intensity values ofthe common features of the overlapped slices, the light intensity can beincreased, resulting in a brighter image as shown at reference numeral240′.

In embodiments, the processes described herein will not over saturatethe image; that is, the addition process will not exceed a maximumvalue, e.g., 255 for an 8 bit value. In embodiments, the values could beadd up to more than 255, but later normalized to create an image withvalues between 0 and 255. In this way, it is now possible to use a lessintense light source and/or move the objects at a faster rate using asame shutter speed as a slower rate. And, advantageously, the lessintense light source can now be any light source, e.g., fluorescent,that will illuminate the object above the ambient light source. Thisalso facilitates the use of color cameras in such industrialapplications.

Correcting for Motion Blur

In further implementations, the systems and processes described hereinallow for the use of less illumination or higher transport speeds bycorrecting for motion blur. When illumination is decreased (andtherefore exposure time increased) or higher transport speeds are used,for example, motion blur may occur. Because the imaging system (e.g.,“slice scan” camera) is used in a controlled environment in which thespeed of the objects being captured are known fairly accurately, aWiener deconvolution technique can be used to correct this blur to anextent.

As should be understood by those of skill in the art, Wienerdeconvolution is an application of the Wiener filter to noise problemsinherent in deconvolution. It works in the frequency domain, attemptingto minimize the impact of deconvolved noise at frequencies which have apoor signal-to-noise ratio. The Wiener deconvolution method haswidespread use in image deconvolution applications, as the frequencyspectrum of most visual images is fairly well behaved and may beestimated easily. Although the Wiener deconvolution can be used in linescan imaging systems, this technique significantly amplifies noise,which may make the final image unusable.

More specifically, FIGS. 6A and 6B representatively show a technique forcorrecting for motion blur. In this technique, once again, multiplelines for each slice of the object 600, e.g. stars, are simultaneouslycaptured by a “slice scan” camera, as the object moves past the camera.And, as previously described, the “slice scan” camera will capturemultiple slices of the object, which have overlapping subject mattersuch as, e.g., a point on the star 620.

In embodiments, the image is shown to be blurred at reference numeral612. This may be caused by, e.g., decreased illumination or highertransport speeds. As shown at reference numeral 615, each of the blurredportions of the slices will be corrected, e.g., to bring it back intofocus, by using the Wiener deconvolution technique as an example. Theseparate slices are then stitched together to form a single mosaic imagerepresenting the object as shown at reference numeral 630. In thisimplementation, each slice is now in focus and is aligned with thesuccessive image as already described herein, e.g., by detecting andmatching features (image registration) or intensity-based methods in theimage which are common between successive slices, e.g., the point of thestar 620. These frames (slices) are then blended together to form aseamless image as shown at reference numeral 640.

It should be noted that the processes shown in FIG. 4 may be used tocompensate for any noise amplification.

Glare Reduction

As an object moves past a camera, any glare generally does not stay inthe same place. That is, if one region of the object is obstructed byglare in a given frame, the same region may not be obstructed in thenext frame. By implementing the techniques and processes describedherein, during the blending process, regions which contain glare can bedetected and ignored. This will result in a blended final image whichcontains significantly less glare as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

By way of more specific example, as the slices 710 of an object 700,e.g. star, are captured by the “slice scan” camera, the brightness of aparticular portion of the image may signify a glare 720, when comparedto the same portion of the image on a different slice captured at adifferent time and hence different angle from the previous slice. It ispossible to make such a determination by determining the pixel intensityof the image or portions of the image on each slice captured by the“slice scan” camera. For example, a glare can be assumed when there is ahigher pixel intensity value for a portion of the image on the firstslice compared to pixel intensity value for the same portion of theimage on the second slice (or vice versa), captured at a different timeand angle. In this example, to reduce any glare, the processes describedherein can (i) ignore the overlapping image with the higher pixelintensity value, e.g., use the minimum value, (ii) average the twovalues together, or (iii) subtract the lower pixel intensity value fromhigher pixel intensity value as representatively shown at referencenumeral 772. In embodiments, though, these techniques should not resultin a value below a certain minimum threshold value (e.g., a pixelintensity value that would result in a dark image). The blended image774 (from the stitched images 730) can then have a reduced or no glare.

Illustrative Sorting and Sequencing System

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative mail sorting and sequencing system, whichcan be used with the processes of the present invention. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art that the present invention canbe implemented with any number of mail sorting and sequencing systems,and that the illustrative representation of the mail sorting andsequencing system of FIG. 8 should not be considered a limiting featureto the claimed invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the mail sorting and sequencing system is a singlepass carrier delivery sequence sorter generally indicated by the numeral10. The single pass carrier delivery sequence sorter 10 has a base 12with four legs 14 (only three shown in FIG. 8) extending therefrom. Anauto feed station 16 extends lengthwise along the base 12 and has afeeder 18 and an address reader 20 at one end and a manual feed station22 with a second address reader 24 at the other end. The feeder 18 andaddress reader 20 create a feed, read and insert path to a racetracksorting device 26 which has an array of bin dividers 28, adjacent onesof which create holders for individual mail pieces depositedtherebetween. A video encoder/numerical controller 30 which may be amicroprocessor or the like is located adjacent the feeder 18 andoperationally connected to various components of the single pass carrierdelivery sequence sorter 10 for coordinating the operation of the samein a manner explained. In embodiments, the address readers 20, 24 and/orvideo encoder/numerical controller 30 or other computing devices canread barcode information and implement the processes of the presentinvention. On either side of the racetrack sorting device 26 are twointerim unloading station units generally indicated by the numeral 32,each having twenty (20) interim unloading stations 36. At the ends ofthe interim unloading station units 32, bundling/wrapping stations 38are mounted on the base 12. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,138,438, for afull detailed explanation of the single pass carrier delivery sequencesorter 10 and related systems, the contents of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety herein.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely forthe purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limitingof the present invention. While the present invention has been describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the wordswhich have been used herein are words of description and illustration,rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purviewof the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention in itsaspects. Although the present invention has been described herein withreference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosedherein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionallyequivalent structures, methods and uses, and combinations thereof suchas are within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method implemented in a computing device, comprising: capturingmultiple lines of an image in a single slice; capturing multiple slices;stitching together the multiple slices by aligning common features ofthe images of a previous slice with a successive slice; and blendingtogether the stitched together multiple slices
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein each slice has common overlapping subject with a previous slice.3. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiple lines are “N” number oflines which are equal to or approximately equal to a thickness of afocused illumination on a certain area of an object.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the slices are shingled together to form a singlemosaic image of an object, prior to the blending.
 5. The method of claim4, wherein the shingling together of the multiple slices comprisesaligning successive images of each slice in order correct for anyrocking motion of the object in between slices.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein the alignment is a shift or offset of each slice with respectto a previous slice.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein stitching isprovided by stitching together the slices at their edges by detecttransitioning features that can be aligned together.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the image is of two objects, one of which is blurry andone of which is in focus.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the blurryobject and the focused object are uniformly blurred and thendeconvoluted to bring a large range of the images back into focus. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein at least 11 lines of data are captured ata time in a single slice and as low as 3×3.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein values of matched features (image registration) orintensity-based methods in the image which are common between successiveslices, are averaged together to reduce any noise from any single slice.12. The method of claim 1, wherein a pixel intensity of the image orportions of the image on each captured slice is measured for overlappedimages, and the pixel intensity is added together (and, optionally,normalized) for common features of the overlapped images to increase thepixel intensity.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the added pixelintensity will not exceed a threshold value.
 14. The method of claim 1,further comprising using a Wiener deconvolution technique to focus ablurred image on the slice or slices.
 15. The method of claim 1, whereina pixel intensity of overlapped images on each captured slice ismeasured, and a highest pixel intensity for an overlapping image isignored to reduce glare.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein a pixelintensity of overlapped images on each captured slice is measured, and alower pixel intensity is subtracted from a highest pixel intensity foran overlapping image is used to reduce glare.
 17. The method of claim 1,wherein a pixel intensity of overlapped images on each captured slice ismeasured, and a minimum pixel intensity is used to reduce glare.
 18. Acomputer program product comprising program code embodied in acomputer-readable storage medium, the program code isreadable/executable by a computing device to perform the method steps ofclaim
 1. 19. A system comprising: a CPU, a computer readable memory anda computer readable storage medium; and program instructions to performthe method steps of claim 1; wherein the program instructions are storedon the computer readable storage medium.